Blyton on the Wireless

Discuss the television and film adaptations of Enid Blyton's stories.
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Moonraker
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Moonraker »

Am I an less a worthwhile human being just because I haven't read many other authors?
You'd think so listening to some people - but then so am I! I am a 'victim' of Enid insomuch as I am only interested in a jolly good read. I dare say it looks good to speak about your top 100 authors, quoting names such as Shakespeare, Asimov, Quentin Blake, D H Lawrence and so on, but for me it's Blyton, Christie and other authors that the 'look down your nose' types might well disprove. If I've not got a page-turner, I'm not interested.
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

Moonraker wrote:I dare say it looks good to speak about your top 100 authors, quoting names such as Shakespeare, Asimov, Quentin Blake, D H Lawrence and so on...
Are you sure you meant Quentin Blake, as he also writes and illustrates children's books?

I agree that people should read what they like to read, and not worry about the recommended age-group or what others think about their choice of reading matter. But if they love authors like Shakespeare and D. H. Lawrence, they should also be free to say so!
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.

"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.


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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Moonraker »

Oh yes, of course they should be free to say so, but not in a mock superior way, which many of these 'literary snobs' do.

The authors names were randomly generated!
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

It is a shame when people dismiss certain authors out of snobbery - but it's their loss! Enid Blyton's books have enriched my life in many ways and they continue to do so. The same applies to books by other authors, but probably not to the same extent. When I visited the D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum in Eastwood, I was delighted to have the chance to see so many things related to him and his writing. However, the sight and smell of bars of carbolic soap brought Tassie (Castle of Adventure) strongly to mind, rather than any of Lawrence's characters!
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.

"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.


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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

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We were in Lyndhurst, recently, and there was an old apothecary selling old styles of soap. It was Wright's Coal Tar that brought back memories for me! Such a pungent smell.
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Katharine »

Moonraker wrote: It was Wright's Coal Tar that brought back memories for me! Such a pungent smell.
I love the smell, and always have a bar in my bathroom.
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Courtenay »

You don't ever have Tassie sneaking in through the window to help herself to it? :D
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It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Katharine »

I bet my children wish she would - they hate the smell of it. :lol:
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Daisy »

From Tassie's reaction I wouldn't have thought she was too keen on laying her hands on any soap ever again!
'Tis loving and giving that makes life worth living.

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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Courtenay »

Ah yes, but though she hated the bath, she loved the smell of the soap!
"I smell nice," she said, evidently liking the smell of carbolic soap better than the others did. "But that bath was dreadful. How often do you have a bath? Once a year?"
(The Castle of Adventure, p. 35)
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It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Chatte »

Thank-you so much for posting this interview! It was really fascinating to listen to my favorite
children's author for the first time!
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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Rob Houghton »

I agree - it's fantastic to be able to hear Enid's voice. I have two 45rpm records of her reading 'Noddy Goes To Toyland' etc - and it's great to hear her own voice reading the stories how she envisioned they should be read! :-)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Re: Blyton on the Wireless

Post by Moonraker »

BBC Radio 4 Extra is broadcasting a two-part drama of The Magic Faraway Tree, on Boxing Day and the 27th - various times. It 'stars' Johnny Vegas and Lucy Beaumont with narration by Ronni Ancona. No doubt it is a repeat from some time back.
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